Calls are growing louder in Alberta for the COVID-19 vaccine to be covered free of charge for all residents, following the province’s decision Tuesday to partially reverse its vaccine policy and expand coverage to some health-care workers.
While the move has been welcomed by workers and unions, public health experts and critics say it doesn’t go far enough, leaving many Albertans uncertain about access to the vaccine.
“The government has now taken a step towards admitting that they had the wrong approach,” said Chris Galloway, executive director at Friends of Medicare.
“Limiting vaccine coverage to select groups is inconsistent with public health goals. It shouldn’t be carving out groups of people and leaving everyone else to pay out of pocket. It makes absolutely no sense.”